Features

Festival Fever

Georgina Heffernan tunes in to the basics of looking cool at this summer's rock festivals.

Ticket and tent? Check. Setlists sussed? Check. But what about your festival wardrobe? You can never predict torrential downpours or mud baths, but you can ensure you're equipped with cool festival fashion that works in any weather.

There are some great events lined up this summer from Oxygen and Electric Picnic to the more boutique festivals such as Castle Palooza, all offering great musical line ups. So dust off those tents and prepare yourself to rock the camp with our festival survival guide. Georgina Heffernan reports

It's festival time! When the sun begins to shine, there's a whole host of outdoor summer gigs to enjoy with the Dublin City Soul Festival kicking off on May 23th, followed by Oxygen kicking off on July 7th, and the Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures soon after. Festival dressing is no simple art. How do you cater for all weathers, look chic when you've no full-length mirror, and negotiate the challenges of dressing up/down? If you value your favourite heels and designer jeans, keep them safely in the wardrobe at home. Festival dressing is all about appearing laid-back, so don't try too hard with your clothes. Also you'll want to travel light, but with a few well-chosen pieces you can still be the best-dressed party-goer at the gig.

RAIN OR SHINE?
Expressing your music and fashion tastes is all part of the festival fun but don't overlook practicality - or underestimate the Irish weather. No amount of styling will save you from drowned rat syndrome. Think layers. Opt for lightweight clothing you can peel off if the sun's blazing or easily pull on when temperatures drop. Take a compact umbrella and pick a bright print or colour. Even if it's rain redundant, an open distinctive brolly can help walkabout friends and family find you in a packed crowd.

ACCESSORIES OVERLOAD
If you're planning a festival camping trip avoid packing sackfuls of accessories and pile it straight on your body instead! The festival is the one place where you can go totally OTT with accessorising, whether it's bold tribal jewellery, trilby hats or bright oversized sunglasses. For designer labels without hefty price tags, M&S has a selection of funky sunglasses from €19.50. Pennys also stocks some neon sunglasses at just €1.50. If sun is on the cards look ultra-cool in Heaton’s summery straw hat, €5.00.

FESTIVAL ESSENTIALS
So what are the must-haves for that rucksack? Dress for comfort, especially when it comes to your shoes. Don't wear your best shoes unless you're prepared to lose or ruin them. Shorts or three-quarter length combats with zip side pockets are handy to safely stash essentials: handbags quickly become a nuisance. This year's boho revival is perfect for your festival ensembles. Think flower power prints and free-flowing clothes. Buy a maxi dress that you're not going to be devastated about if it ends up with a mud-soaked hem.

If you haven't got the height for a maxi, go for a floral sundress or smock, and wear with a waist-cinching vintage style belt. Complete the look with a floppy straw hat or print headscarf for instant hippy chic. Punk up your look with a leather biker jacket for an edgy indie girl look. Be an eco chick and turn an ageing old pair of jeans into cute denim shorts. Team with tights to warm up.

Work a full-on hippy vibe with maxi dresses, kaftans, headbands and arms laden with bangles that jangle as you jam to mellow tunes. But don't forget about the evening chills. Take a cute cardigan or a pashmina to keep you warm all night long. And if the weather forecast is looking gloomy, nab yourself a pair of cheerful printed wellies for a colourful twist. As for the rest of your body, natural make-up teamed with bed-head hair is an easy and low-maintenance way to manage festival beauty.

Now you’re packed and ready for some festival fun! Leave your worries at the door and chances are you will come away having had one of the best times of your life.

For more information of forthcoming music festivals log on to: http://www.musicfestivalsireland.ie/